Leroy (Ala.) wide receiver Johnny Williams had always seen himself as a basketball player but by his junior year, he began to realize that he may have another calling. The senior is making his name on the football field these days and has begun to garner some college interest for his services.

"[UAB] offered, it was a verbal offer," Williams said. "They said they're gonna be really really looking at me this season. I'm really kind of looking into it now. It kinda came quickly. I was always a basketball player until last season."

In researching the Blazers, Williams is taking a hard look at what the school has to offer academically.

"Coach (Tim) Bowens was telling me about their graphic design program," he said. "Graphic design is something I'm interested in and he was saying that they have a good program."

While UAB is the first program to discuss an offer with Williams, several others have been showing interest. Williams lists Alabama, Memphis, Louisville, Southern Miss., Auburn, Clemson and Alabama State as schools that have been giving him the most attention. However, Alabama is the school that Williams is the most excited about.

"I love Alabama," he said. "I went to an Alabama game earlier this year. My first college football game was at Alabama against Arkansas this year. The atmosphere was crazy, looking around at all of the people. I really loved it. I would love to go to Alabama."

Despite his success on the gridiron, it took time for Williams to find his way to football.

"It was probably about last year that I realized that football was my sport," he said. "Football was just more fun and more exciting. You can play for a while in basketball before an exciting play happens but in football, every play could be a big one. I probably could play basketball in college but it would be division II or junior college. I'm only about 5-11."

As his recruitment picks up, Williams is helping his team find its chemistry on the field as well.

"Our team is coming together," he said. "We had a little rough time at first, losing to Sweetwater. But we're really starting to come together as a team. I had a groin problem earlier in the season but I'm healthy now. I had three catches for 50 yards last week, but I'm just happy everyone is coming together."